Premier Wab Kinew Directs $60 Million for Indigenous-Led 24/7 Supportive Housing Hubs in Manitoba

WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Bernadette Smith announced on Monday the distribution of $60 million in provincial capital development grants to construct and operate three permanent, Indigenous-led 24/7 supportive housing hubs and cultural healing centers in Winnipeg's North End, Downtown Winnipeg, and Brandon.

The facilities, developed in partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and the Southern Chiefs' Organization, will provide 350 transitional and permanent supportive housing units paired with on-site elder-led trauma healing, primary medical clinics, and addiction recovery services.

Ending Chronic Homelessness Through Culturally Centered Care Indigenous people represent over 70 percent of Winnipeg's unsheltered population, where legacy colonial trauma and child welfare system transitions have contributed to high rates of chronic homelessness and street-level vulnerability during harsh sub-zero prairie winters.

"Every Manitoban deserves a warm, safe place to sleep and the dignity of a supportive community," Premier Wab Kinew said at a ground-breaking event on Main Street in Winnipeg. "For too long, homeless shelters operated like revolving doors that pushed people back onto freezing streets every morning. These three new 24/7 Indigenous-led supportive housing centers provide permanent roofs, hot meals, elder teachings, and medical care around the clock, helping our relatives heal from trauma and rebuild their lives."

Facility Locations and Wraparound Services The $60 million package funds:

• North End Community Healing Lodge (Winnipeg): $28 million to construct 160 supportive residential suites, a traditional sweat lodge, and commercial community kitchen.
• Downtown Winnipeg Low-Barrier 24/7 Shelter: $20 million for 120 transitional beds with on-site detox and medical stabilization clinics.
• Brandon Regional Supportive Housing Center: $12 million for 70 supportive apartments serving Westman agricultural communities.

Indigenous grand chiefs, municipal mayors, and frontline community outreach workers celebrated the historic provincial investment, emphasizing that culturally grounded supportive housing delivers permanent stability and reduces emergency room and police calls.